Head Coach Girls
“High school sports are about building relationships, memories, and life skills.”
Basketball has always been a significant part of my life. From high school to college, the game taught me invaluable lessons and shaped who I am today. It has been there through every high and low, and I continue to have a passion for it. Coaching allows me to pass on those lessons and impact young athletes both on and off the court.
I began my coaching career at Brookwood School in Thomasville, GA, where I coached both boys' and girls' programs for three years. Following that, I led the girls’ program at Dade County High School for 14 years before joining Buford in 2005. This year marks my 21st year coaching the Buford girls’ program, making it my 37th season overall as a head coach.
I chose Buford because of its unique blend of academics and athletics. I wanted my children to grow up in an environment that valued excellence in all aspects of life. The strong community support and close-knit culture here make it a special place for my family, and now two of my children are teaching in Buford as well.
For me, the most important aspect of coaching is preparing young athletes for life. High school sports are about more than just the game; they’re about building relationships, creating memories, and learning life skills that last far beyond the court. If I can help my players understand this, I will have achieved something greater than just winning games.
Quick Facts:
Years at Buford: 2005 - Present
Coaching History: Brookwood School, Dade County High School, Buford High School
Family: Married to Cherie Langston; children: Devin (deceased), Christian, Coby, and Danielle; grandchildren: Josie, Beau, Jack, GiGi, Billy, and Jamie.
Education: Associate Degree in Business from Brunswick Junior College; Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Georgia Southern University
Head Coach Boys
When basketball is played the right way, it’s “The Beautiful Game”. Basketball is a team sport that allows for individual creativity, blending high-paced transitions and constant shifts between defense and offense that make it incredibly entertaining. What I love most in my role as a coach is the journey of seeing a group of individuals slowly mature into a team. Each season, we start as a group of people, and if we’re doing it right, we become a family by the year’s end.
Watching young men grow and improve throughout their journey is immensely rewarding. The unique aspect of Buford is that I get to see many players begin in our Youth Camp and eventually become key contributors to our Varsity Program. It’s amazing to witness that evolution and be part of their story.
I started my basketball journey in Vidalia, GA, playing for four years at Piedmont University, where I also served as a graduate assistant. My coaching career spans 18 years, with the last 12 spent at Buford. I earned my Master’s degree from Piedmont University and my Specialist degree from the University of West Georgia.
I feel very fortunate to have been brought on to the Buford program by legendary coach Eddie Martin. Since then, Buford has become home for me and my family. I’m married to Caroline Parker, a teacher at Buford High School and the Director of Cheer, and together we have twin daughters, Amelia Grace and Lainey Reese, who are enrolled in the Child Care Center at Buford.
In our program, we talk a lot about how everyone’s role may be different, but their value is the same. High school sports hold significant value in playing for your school and community. It’s important for our players to be themselves, use their talents, and commit to the team concept. Ultimately, basketball is more than just a game; it’s a tool for teaching life lessons—accountability, teamwork, discipline, and pride. These skills are what we aim to cultivate in every player.
Quick Facts:
Years at Buford: 2014 - Present
Coaching History: 17 years, Piedmont University Graduate Assistant
Family: Married to Caroline; twin daughters, Amelia Grace & Lainey Reese
Education: Master’s from Piedmont University, Specialist from University of West Georgia
Assistant Coach
"Coaching is about using basketball to help young ladies grow as individuals.”
Coach Jocelyn Brown joined Buford Basketball in 2024. With a rich history in playing and coaching basketball, she brings a wealth of experience and passion for the game to the Buford family.
Quick Facts:
Years at Buford: 2024 - PresentCoaching
History: East Carolina University, Georgia State, Penn State, Western Kentucky, Mercer University
Family: Married to Marcus; three children (Austin, 10; Abigail, 4; Ava, 2)
Education: Appalachian State graduate; played in Gwinnett CountyJocelyn
Assistant Coach Girls
"Connection supersedes everything else in coaching."
Coach Jeff Ozment joined Buford Basketball in 2007 and has been coaching for 37 years. He believes in the importance of connection with players, emphasizing that success comes from understanding roles and teamwork.
Quick Facts:
Years at Buford: 2007 - Present
Coaching Experience: 37 years; high school head coach (17 years), college assistant (6 years), college head coach (4 years)
Family: Married to Sandra; three daughters – Taylor (University of West Georgia graduate), Tory (Michigan State University graduate), and Tatum (current junior at the University of Georgia)
Playing History: Played at Berry College
Assistant Coach Girls
"Basketball taught me that with hard work, you can achieve any goal."
Coach Coby Durden has been with Buford Basketball since 2014. A former Buford High School player, he now shares his passion for the game with his students,
using basketball to teach life lessons and build better young people.
Quick Facts:
Years at Buford: Began coaching in 2014
Coaching History: 12 years with Buford girls' basketball program
Family: Married to Hannah; three children (Josie, 6; Jack, 5; Jamie, 2)
Playing History: Buford High School, University of North Georgia
Assistant Coach Girls
"Basketball is about building connections and fostering resilience."
Coach Cassie Bro joined Buford Basketball in 2016, bringing a wealth of experience from Barry University, the Air Force Academy, and Centennial High School in Boise. She believes that strong relationships and understanding what motivates each player are key to impactful coaching.
Quick Facts:
Years at Buford: 2016 - Present
Coaching History: Barry University, Air Force Academy, Centennial High School
Family: Originally from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; family resides on the West Coast
Assistant Coach Girls
"Coaching gives me a platform to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives. I appreciate that I can use the game of basketball as a vehicle to build relationships and help others."
Coach McIntyre grew up immersed in basketball, playing at Mill Creek, Lakeview Academy, and later at Reinhardt University and UNG. Inspired by Coach Durden’s impact on his life, Blake is committed to giving young athletes the same support and guidance. He believes the lasting value of the game comes from the relationships, memories, and life lessons it builds.
Quick Facts:
Years at Buford: 2025 – Present: Buford High School
Coaching History: High-level AAU coaching
Family: Son of Kari and Scott McIntyre, brother to Ellie
Education: Reinhardt University and the University of North Georgia
Assistant Coach Boys
"Basketball is about building relationships, fostering growth, and overcoming challenges together.”
Coach Brent Martin has been part of the Buford Basketball program since 2015. Growing up as the son of a coach, basketball has always been in his blood. He values building relationships with his players, planning strategies, and helping his team grow on and off the court.
Quick Facts:
Years at Buford: 2015 - Present
Coaching History: 20 years
Family: Wife Lindsay; three children: Charlie (10), Jack Henry (7), and Millie (3)
Playing History: Brookwood High School
Previous Coaching Roles: Norcross, GAC, Seckinger, and Buford
Assistant Coach Boys
"Basketball is more than just a game—it’s about instilling values and building character.”
Coach Chezley Watson joined Buford Basketball in 2021, bringing experience from Je erson, Flowery Branch, and Cherokee Bluff. He is passionate about helping players grow and develop discipline to achieve their goals.
Quick Facts:
Years at Buford: 2021 - Present
Coaching History: Jefferson, Flowery Branch, Cherokee Blu
Family: Married to Julia; 4 children
Assistant Coach Boys
"The relationships and memories are what I love the most about the game.”
Coach Carlton Jackson joined Buford Basketball in 2024 and has 9 years of high school coaching experience. He values the relationships built through the sport and strives to make a lasting impact.
Quick Facts:
Years at Buford: 2024 - Present
Coaching History: 9 years of high school coaching
Family: Single, no children
Education: Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in special education
Coach JV Boys
"Basketball is a simple game. Little improvements can be made daily if you want to get better."
Coach Emerson McClung joined Buford Basketball in 2022. He played college basketball at Emmanuel University and began his coaching career at Apalachee High School. Emerson values patience and adaptability, believing that every player learns dfferently.
Quick Facts:
Years at Buford: 2022 - Present
Coaching History: Apalachee High School, Head JV Coach, Assistant Varsity Coach
Family: Married to Kaitlyn; two dogs
Education: Bachelor’s in History Education from Emmanuel University
No assignment
"Basketball brings people together. It’s about more than just the game—it’s about life.”
Coach Nicole Krist started coaching at Buford in 2023. A lifelong basketball lover, she’s passionate about teaching the game and life skills that will help players grow.
Quick Facts:
Years at Buford: Began teaching in 2007, started coaching in 2023
Coaching History: 3 years of coaching experience
Family: Married to Scott; three dogs (Maizey, Mac, and Murphy)
Education: Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont College
Coach
"Basketball is so much more than just a sport. It's about building life skills."
Coach Cristi James began coaching at Buford in 2021. A proud Buford alumna, she loves helping her players grow into leaders and building lifelong relationships with them.
Quick Facts:
Years at Buford: Started coaching in 2021, teaching in 2020
Coaching History: 19 years in various counties, returned to Buford
Family: Married to Stacy; two sons, Andrew (13) and William (6)
Education: Bachelor’s in Educ
Head Coach Boys
"If you want something bad enough, you have to work for it.”
Coach Jake Green has been part of Buford Basketball since 2021 and brings 15 years of coaching experience. A former North Gwinnett and Piedmont University player, he loves helping young athletes see how hard work leads to success on and o the court.
Quick Facts:
Years at Buford: 2021 – Present
Coaching History: 15 years; Lanier Middle School; 9th Grade and 8th Grade Boys Coach at Buford
Family: Married to Erin; two adopted sons, Jaden (4) and Elijah (10 months); two dogs, Walker and Munson
Education: Played Division III basketball at Piedmont University
Assistant Coach Boys, Coach Freshman Boys
"The next play is all that matters—in school, life, and sports.”
Coach Paul Villarroel joined Buford Basketball in 2015. A lifelong basketball enthusiast, he believes in teaching the game the right way and using it as a vehicle for life lessons. He cherishes his role in helping players grow both on and off the court.
Quick Facts:Years at Buford: Coaching since 2015, Teaching since 2018
Coaching History: Dos Pueblos High School (CA), Greater Atlanta Christian School, Buford
Family: Married to Sarah; two sons, Grayson (5th grade) and Theo (kindergarten)
Education: Originally from Cochabamba, Bolivia; played college basketball at Mount San Jacinto Community College
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